On the other hand, the idea of inter-colony communication as an emergent system is positively amazing.



Hmm,  not sure why it would be at the least surprising,  not to evoke anthropomorphism but honeybees are a social insect.  One would expect the same benefits and risk as we as humans have in cities and country.   Risk of dieses transmission is higher,  but there is some benefit to cooperative cities in communication and  genetic diversity.  This would include a bit more common foraging, with of course the risk of overloading.  Much like small towns a few colonies would ensue less social risk as say NYC.

Few out country folk in Montana sit around and gossip about the latest places to forage,  but you can bet in major cites the best places to eat are well known and communicated a lot.....

If you follow Levit's writing on more sex is safer sex,  you could even conclude there are some benefits for less virus transmission.


Charles

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